Hubs and I have always had a dream of spending more than the 2 week sprint in Europe when we retire. We have 2 wonderful 6 month trips laid out. One has enough time in Britain to satisfy the Schengen requirements. The other - no way. Is there nothing I can do? thanks for any solutions!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1326 posts
Yes, you can apply for a visa.
Posted by
OP
105 posts
thanks, Kent & Grier!
Grier - I did a little checking on the visa. I did not have a reason that would let me apply....any suggestions?
Thanks.
Posted by
Long Beach, USA
252 posts
Travel to a combinaison of Schengen and non-Schengen countries?
I have not had to do it yet (because I cannot afford to be gone for 6 months or more yet)...so you would need to research about each countries' requirements.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1326 posts
There are at least a couple of contributors to this site who have had applied for and been granted visitor visas. If your visit includes France as an example, go to the French consulate website for your area and look at the information regarding a Long Stay Visa for Visitors. As I understand it, you have to jump through a few hoops but it's not that difficult to get a visa if you have the required paperwork and interview.
If you're not willing to try for a visa, you could rearrange your trips so you're in Schengen countries for 90 days, then in non-Schengen countries for 90 days.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yep. It's not like the old days before the EU regs.
That changed everything.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
In addition to Britain and Ireland, I'd consider spending time outside the Schengen zone in Turkey, Morocco, Bulgaria, and Romania. It all gets much easier after your first three months on the road.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33457 posts
Barry, hrb78 has removed their post.